From 1 July, Ringerike and Hole will be almost fully electric as a new contract with Vy Buss comes into effect.
Under the new contract, which has a duration of 13 years, 51 new buses have been purchased. Of these, 46 are fully electric, while the remainder run on biofuel. The reason not all the buses are electric is that some railway underpasses are too low for the use of electric buses.
Major Milestone
This marks the first time electric buses are introduced in Ringerike and Hole, and it is the final of Brakar’s contracts to transition to electric. From 1 July 2025, approximately 85 percent of Brakar’s bus fleet will be emission-free. The remaining bus services will be fossil-free, as they use advanced biofuel (HVO).
“This is an important milestone for us. We’ve reached a major environmental achievement, and by the end of this year, we will have reduced our CO₂ emissions by 80 percent,” says Terje Sundfjord, CEO of Brakar.
“Vy Buss is pleased to be part of the journey towards emission-free public transport in Brakar and Buskerud County,” says Ole Engebret Moe Haugen, CEO of Vy Buss.
Improved Passenger Information and Data Collection
With the new contract, all buses in Ringerike and Hole will be equipped with real-time information systems. This means passengers will have access to updated and accurate departure times in journey planners and apps for the routes operating in the area.
In addition, automatic passenger counting will be implemented. Together with the real-time systems, this will provide improved data, which can be used to plan and optimise the bus service.
Enhanced Driver Safety
Throughout the tender process, Brakar has focused on safety in close collaboration with the drivers’ health and safety representatives and union representatives. Requirements included blind spot warning systems, external 360-degree cameras, pedestrian and cyclist alerts, front collision warning, driver collision protection, and speed limiting in designated areas.
Accessibility for All
All buses included in the new contract will comply with current regulations and requirements for universal design, ensuring good accessibility for all passenger groups. Brakar also specified enhanced collision protection for drivers in this tender.
All buses are also equipped with onboard information screens and mobile charging points at the seats.
